Effect of shock waves on refractory compounds I. Niobium, zirconium, silicon, chromium, and gallium nitrides

Abstract

1. A study was made of the effect of shock compression on gallium, zirconium, silicon, chromium, and niobium nitrides. 2. It is shown that, under the action of shock compression, all the compounds investigated become transformed from powders into firm bars of high microporosity. 3. It was established that, during shock compression, gallium nitride decomposes into its component elements, zirconium and silicon nitrides undergo no visible changes, and chromium nitride acquires a much less perfect crystal lattice. The hexagonal e phase of niobium nitride becomes transformed as a result of shock compression into the cubic δ phase.